Chapter 91 : The Legend

Long ago, before the Kingdom of Sveratis was built, the world consisted of many small kingdoms. Endless war ravaged the land. Kings fought each other. Bloodsheds filled the seas. 

One day, a King from a small Kingdom in the mountains was blessed by the Gods with great power. The Gods bestowed upon him the power to command an army. An indestructible army who knows no hunger nor pain. With his army, he defeated all his enemies and put an end to the long-lasting war that plagued the land. 

Upon his victory, he united the people. Small kingdoms merged under his name, and a new Kingdom was born.  The Kingdom of Sveratis. And the man who was once a King of the mountain rose to the throne as the first King of Sveratis. 

Knowing that the blessed army is no longer needed and would only bring temptation, the King sealed the blessed army somewhere deep and dark as a sign of true peace. Proof that Sveratis live not by the fear of the army, but by the grace of its King. 

"That is the legend, passed down in the Sveratis Kingdom. The story of the first King of Sveratis," said Flavius. 

"So, the ring takes part in the story?" Kaizo asked. 

"Yes," Stravenkov answered. "The story didn't tell in detail how the King controlled the army or where the army was hidden. Even as a royal, I have just discovered the details recently."

Stravenkov suddenly stopped walking. He turned to Axion. 

"I've tried to put on the ring once," said Stravenkov. "It was painful. The power within the ring was too much for me. That's why I've been hesitating to use it." He smiled. "But you were right. As the crown prince of this kingdom, there would be no point in fighting if I do this battle halfheartedly. And for telling me that, I thank you."

Axion looked at him. "Prince, it's not my right to say these words. But one thing that you must know, that you are not bearing the burden of this kingdom alone," she said as she put a hand on his shoulder. 

"She's right!" said Tirion. "We will stand with you, always, and help you bear your burdens. Don't be afraid to let us share the load." 

"That's true!" Flavius exclaimed. "We will follow you wherever you go, your highness."

Other knights begin to shout their support, encouraging the young prince. 

"Everyone… thank you," said Stravenkov. 

"So, where do we go now?" Kaizo asked. 

"The ring is the key to activate and control the army. And the army is hidden within the biggest mountain in Sveratis, Mount Balor," said Stravenkov. 

"You think that's where Versatel brought the Queen?" Kaizo asked. 

"Possibly," Stravenkov replied. "Versatel is one of the head governments in this kingdom. His position gets him very close with the royal affairs. I have no doubt he knows something about this legend. If he's looking for power, he should be there."

"As long as Versatel doesn't have the ring, he can't control the army, right?" Kaizo asked.

"Supposedly, yes. But Versatel is cunning. We don't know if he has some tricks under his sleeves," said Stravenkov. 

"Not to mention that he has the Queen as a hostage. We need to get to Mount Balor as soon as possible," said Tirion.

"Then we should march our forces," said Flavius.

"No," Axion replied. "The city is still in chaos. The knights are better here with the people." 

"Divide and conquer. We split the team in two. The first team goes to mount Balor. The second team takes care of the city. The Prince, Axion, and I will go to mount Balor. Tirion, bring only a selected few of your strongest knights with us. Flavius can take care of the city with the rest of the knights," Kaizo explained.

"But what about the army? Versatel may not have the key to command the army. But surely he has a big plan," said Flavius.

"I agree," said Stravenkov. "Versatel should've known that I have the key to command the army."

"Chances are, Versatel is going to trade the Queen's life for the ring," said Axion.

"That's why the second team has two objectives," said Kaizo. "The first objective is to take over the city. Clean up the soldiers and organize your people. The second objective is sending reinforcement. Once you take back the city, get those who still can fight to join us at mount Balor. The ships that the soldiers use to control the city can help us at mount Balor," Kaizo continued.

"I see. So all we need to do is stall Versatel until reinforcement arrives," said Stravenkov.

"Indeed. However, if the worst scenario comes and Versatel ends up winning… someone needs to lead the people to evacuate from the kingdom," said Kaizo. 

The air turned grim. 

"E-evacuate…" Flavius mumbled. "Y-you mean..."

"No need," said Axion abruptly. 

They all looked at her. 

"Evacuation won't be needed. I guarantee it," said Axion. 

"If something goes wrong…" 

"I'll take responsibility," said Axion, cutting off Kaizo.

 Kaizo looked at her with a suspicious look. "Just how far does Admiral Maskmana trust her?" he wondered.

"Y-you can guarantee our victory?" Flavius asked. 

"No," said Axion. "But I can guarantee Versatel's death," she added as she gave a cold glare.

Everyone in the room suddenly felt chills down their spine. 

"I'll inform the rest of the team," said Axion.